Conceptual Approach to Early Melanoma Detection: Models, Tools, Issues and Challenges

Abstract

Identification and removal of melanoma early in its development remains the most effective treatment. However, identification of early melanoma remains challenging and may result in unnecessary morbidity due to the excess excision of benign melanocytic nevi. Herein, we present a conceptual model of benign and malignant melanocytic growths. The potential differences in the location of the cell of origin as well as considerations for neoplasm progression are also reviewed. Several of the clinical tools currently available, the integration of information from those different sources, and approaches to set an optimum biopsy threshold are discussed. While early detection remains a challenge, significant progress has been made. Insight into melanoma growth processes and appropriate use of available tools can result in the detection of thinner melanomas while also decreasing overall biopsy rates.

Dermoscopy in the era of dermato-oncology: from bed to bench side and retour

“…Conversely, atypical Spitz tumors and blue nevi have been linked with mutations in HRAS and GNAQ, respectively (29,32), whereby one study reported on GNAQ mutations in about 83% of blue nevi (33) (Figure 3 C-D). Moreover, GNAQ seems involved also in initiation of ocular melanoma and with darkpigmented dermal melanoma (33).…”

OTULIN regulates uveal melanoma tumorigenicity by deubiquitinating IGSF11

“…Uveal melanoma (UVM) stands as the predominant form of primary intraocular cancer in adult populations 1,2 , presenting distinct biological characteristics that set it apart from cutaneous melanomas 3 . This distinction is underpinned by a complex interplay of genetic and epigenetic mechanisms 4,5 .…”